I can't help but feel that James Anderson's Test strike rate (60+), coupled with the fact that he's not even on an ECB contract, seem to belie how "great" he is.
Perhaps it's just been his struggle to come to terms with his potential that has so mislead me?
However I think it's more likely he strikes me as being worthy of the Cricketing Imposter tag because of the fact that his best Test bowling figures are from his debut Test match 4 years ago (against a team that's no longer even rated as a Test playing nation - Zimbabwe); or possibly the fact that during his last Test series he only managed 5 wickets (at 82+). In all fairness, he did only played 3 of the 5 matches.
As far as Anderson's domestic form is concerned, it really counts for nothing in the international arena.
Just look at Phil Jaques: From his 104 First Class matches he's scored 28 tons & 46 50s, averaging over 55... yet from his three Test innings he averages only 32, with a highest score of 66. Admittedly, Australia has the toughest domestic competition in the world by a looooong way.
Unfortunately, I'm going to have to insist that Anderson's monicker remains... he is a Cricketing Imposter.
Collingwood & Panesar I'll have to come back to another time...
What about you, Mon? Got any nominations for the Cricketing Imposters list?
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